Judge Upholds Constitutionality of Voter ID Law

Chancellor Carol McCoy ruled Wednesday that Tennessee’s voter ID law does not violate citizens’ constitutional rights, the Tennessean reports. The judge’s ruling dealt a blow to challengers of the legality of such laws. The state’s constitution gives legislators rights to enact laws to “secure the freedom of elections,” McCoy noted during the hearing. Although opposing attorneys cited the constitution's requirement for citizens only to be of legal age and have proof of residency and voter registration in order to vote, McCoy stated "voting procedures have evolved over the years." George Barrett, who represented the city of Memphis and two other women from the Memphis area, was seeking an injunction to let residents vote in November without proof of ID, a requirement he contends is burdensome.